The state settles case with Minnesota phone service broker

Iowa’s one of ten states to settle a consumer case with a Minnesota phone service broker. The states charge that “New Access,” a company that bought and resold local and long distance phone service, used deceptive telemarketing techniques to market its services. Consumer advocates say the firm’s business pattern included misrepresenting the price and how much a customer might save, and pretending to be affiliated with the client’s current service provider. The attorneys general also say the company switched phone service providers without customers’ consent. While denying the charges, New Access agreed to give a toll free number where clients can reach a live person for customer service, get a clear okay for any change in service, and put in a system to record its telephone solicitors’ calls for the next year. Claim forms will be provided for any consumer who’s filed a complaint.